In short: Amazing atmosphere, amazing scenary, amazingly toughIn full: Having only done 3 very flat marathons previous to this, doing one with nearly 3000 feet of elevation was a daunting prospect. However, set in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK, not even the rain could dampen the runners spirits and the scenery was still spectacular.

First climb to Pen y Pass is a long one. The second climb just after half way is not to underestimated. The final climb around mile 22-24 is a killer.

A really tough race but for me, this one had to be done. Incredible experience.Date of review: October 29, 2015

In short: Hard as nailsIn full: Incredible scenary, horrendous weather seemed to add to the experience, 3 very punishing climbs including a leg breaker at 21. Its a unique running challenge and as long as you run it knowing the PB will be left at the door like I did you can really get out there and run without any pressure, just enjoying the day and the experience. Date of review: October 29, 2015

In short: Epic,iconi, scenic, FANTASTIC!In full: This is a wonderful event, this year it was wet at the start and dry at the end, great atmosphere, superbly run. THE Best Date of review: October 29, 2015

In short: Great run in the mountains, best scenery in the UKIn full: How fantastic is this race, the distance is the same but the elevation is what makes this race! To go through it PB potential I've rated high as this was my 8th marathon (I ran Edinburgh earlier in the year for a flat one) and this was my PB so had to rate highly! The crowds were great despite the weather, so friendly and giving. Plenty of marshals on the course looking out for you, in terms of drink stations plenty of isotonic drink. I would recommend this for a beginner as with the elevation you can't worry too much about running a great time and you've got to leave some in the tank for the last hill so you can run at a pace and enjoy the scenery which is what makes this race. Late in October the leaves are changing colours waterfalls coming down by Pen y Pass were staggering. Date of review: October 29, 2015

In short: Fantastic event, stunning scenery and awesome support that could almost take your mind off the incredibly tough routeIn full: I'm not quite sure why I chose a marathon billed as the "toughest in the UK" for my first, but Saturday saw me and 2500 others standing in the torrential rain at the start line of the Snowdonia Marathon for the Alarm's Mike Peters to set us off.Despite the rain the support along the route was as incredible as the route was challenging.Just before the halfway mark, as several runners began to pass me I realised I'd settled into a bit of a slow shuffle, and picked up the pace as the noise from huge crowd in Beddgelert beckoned me in, and onwards through the halfway mark, and the beginning of the second big climb.From about 16m, I started to suffer a little and even resorted to a few walks (limited to 50 strides each mind) evey mile or so, ever mindful of the legendary final hill looming large in my mind.Evenutually, at around 22 miles, the final climb began at Waunfawr, and the road continued to rise relentlessly for an interminable 3 miles or so. My thoughts of 3:30 had left me at 16 miles, and halfway up the climb, I left my hopes of a 3:45 finish.With about a mile to go, we finally stopped climbing and emerged with a view over a typically stunning Snowdonia valley bathed in sunlight, and at the bottom of which nestled Llanberis, and the finishing line.I managed to keep my feet on the steep, wet and muddy descent as several others tumbled around me, getting ever nearer to the end. The noise of cheering from the hundreds of supporters on the High Street spurred me onto a sprint finish that saw me gain a dozen or so places, and a 3:56 final time.The toughest event I've ever done, and a huge feeling of relief and pride in gettng to the end. Date of review: October 29, 2015